Triumph Trident 660: 2021 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year Winner
The inaugural bikesales Learner Bike of the Year helps beginner riders find the perfect first motorcycle
In a year where there is army of new motorcyclists on Australian roads, the Triumph Trident 660 has prevailed as the 2021 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year, proudly presented by Shannons. This award is a first for bikesales and is designed to find the perfect first motorcycle for beginner riders.
Following the announcement of the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS as the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year, the British firm has done the double, taking out the inaugural bikesales Learner title with its popular middleweight roadster.
The LAMS-approved Triumph Trident 660 is an all-new machine for 2021, and brings triple-cylinder power and high-spec equipment to the competitive middleweight learner category. It beat nine other Learner Bike of the Year finalists to take out the grand prize for LAMS models.
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How we decided the 2021 Bike of the Year
What is a LAMS bike?
So what exactly is a LAMS bike? The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme limits new riders to motorcycles that meet specific technical requirements in the name of safety.
While each state has sightly different rulings and wordings, the general criteria is that LAMS bikes must have an engine capacity of less than 660cc, and a power-to-weight ratio of less than 150 kilowatts per tonne.
The LAMS rules apply to learner riders across the country and, in some states, also probationary riders. Check with your state’s roads/transport authority for specific rules.
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The voting process
In past years, the bikesales team has recognised the best LAMS models in each segment as part of the main Bike of the Year awards, but a different format in 2021 has paved the way for an overall Learner Bike of the Year winner for the first time.
The bikesales Learner Bike of the Year award is given to the best overall LAMS-approved motorcycle as judged by the bikesales team. The process begins with the selection of ten finalists from a wide variety of different categories.
As well as being LAMS-approved, the finalists must also be models that are currently on sale and must have been tested by the bikesales team since its initial launch. If a learner motorcycle ticks those boxes, it is eligible for the Learner BOTY award.
Choosing a winner from the ten finalists comes down to a range of different criteria including performance, brakes and handling, build-quality, value for money, safety, innovation, and the extent to which they are fit for purpose. Of course, the ultimate question that the judges must answer is, what would make a perfect first bike?
The finalists
For the inaugural Learner Bike of the Year, the judges picked ten finalists that covered a range of different categories, purposes, and price points. At one end of the spectrum is the affordable Kymco Like 150 S scooter, and at the other is the premium Triumph Trident 660.
Several finalists had previously been named as BOTY learner category winners, but only the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has earned a place as a main BOTY contender (which it did in 2020).
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a great example of learner bike that transcends the LAMS tag – it is fun to ride, looks great, and has a very attractive price tag. In fact, a case could be made to say the Interceptor should have been the inaugural Learner Bike of the Year, but its age (it was introduced back in 2018) was the only thing holding it back.
Elsewhere, a couple of budget-friendly bikes from two of the world’s biggest manufacturers were also popular with judges. The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW G 310 R both offer a degree of European sophistication with very appealing price tags. Both are well-equipped, but are lacking a little grunt when compared to some other finalists.
The CFMOTO 650NK SP and the Kawasaki Z400 are both attractive naked-bike options, while the Honda CBR500R offers learner riders plenty of sportsbike fun.
Another regular BOTY learner category winner is the Benelli TRK 502, which is a great middleweight adventure bike that punches well above its weight. It has shades of the Triumph Tiger through its styling, but the engine is a very capable unit too.
While there was no official Learner BOTY podium, the Yamaha MT-07LA came within a whisker of taking out the title. The globe-conquering machine has long been one of the most popular learner models in the market, and it offers plenty of naked bike performance and fun.
Interestingly, the MT-07LA is a direct competitor for the Triumph Trident 660. It came very close to trumping the British bike, but the Triumph proved to be a little more modern and well-equipped.
The winner
It is fair to say the competition was close, but the Triumph Trident 660 was an obvious winner in the end thanks to its impressive performance and premium equipment.
The judges were most impressed with the Tridents 660cc triple-cylinder engine that offers a learner-restricted 53hp at 8750rpm and 59Nm at 5000rpm. Notably, there is an unrestricted version available in overseas markets, but Triumph’s Australian arm opted not to bring it in. With that in mind, our judges agreed that the restricted Trident’s power is ample enough to satisfy both learners and full licence riders.
Another big tick for the Trident was its impressive array of electronic features including a colour TFT screen, two ride modes, switchable traction control, and the optional MyTriumph connectivity system. Many learner motorcycles forego fancy tech features in the name of simplicity and affordability, but the Trident packs in plenty of cool tricks while still maintaining a relatively affordable price tag.
The Triumph Trident 660 is priced at $12,690 ride away, which makes it the most expensive of our finalists. But while it won’t suit every learner rider’s budget, it is still a very attractive price when you consider the equipment it carries.
As well as the aforementioned engine and electronics, the Trident is also equipped with adjustable Showa suspension, Nissin brakes, Michelin tyres, LED lighting and ABS. It is also a beautiful looking machine with plenty of Triumph styling cues that blend heritage and modern style.
In summary
Overall, the Triumph Trident 660 is a very impressive machine. The LAMS tag can sometimes turn off more-experienced riders, but this is a bike that riders of all ages and abilities would be happy with. It may not be the cheapest learner bike available, but it arguably offers the best value for money.
As well as premium equipment and impeccable style, the Trident also offers a thrilling, yet user-friendly riding experience. It works well for both commuting and weekend fun, and will suit a wide variety of riding styles. It is fast, fun, functional, safe, and straight-up cool.
Learner riders are spoilt for choice in this day and age, but the Triumph Trident 660 is, in the eyes of our bikesales judges, the ultimate LAMS bike for 2021. Congratulations Triumph on winning the 2021 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year award, proudly presented by Shannons.
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